# Sculptural Illusion Houses 'A House to Die In' is a Sculpture That Doubles as a Residence By Madison Mackay | Published 2018-02-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-to-die-in References: [uncrate](https://uncrate.com/a-house-to-die-in/) & [snohetta](https://snohetta.com/projects/367-a-house-to-die-in) Artist Bjarne Melgaard commissioned 'A House to Die in' in 2011, and this [sculptural building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cm-g1) has taken over seven years to fully complete. Modeled after the artist's drawings, the building was made through 3D models and re-imagines Melgaard's original art. The exterior of the home is covered in [burnt oak](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oak-house-1), with a crystal-like structure placed delicately on white pillars that are shaped like different animals. Underneath and to the sides of the home, a shallow pond was placed to create an illusion that A House to Die in is floating magically on water. Inside the home, all of the rooms has an [unconventional design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoohome) approaching, mixing function with modern aesthetics. With a dining room that will also act as a swimming pool and a spa that doubles as an office, nothing is exactly as it seems within this house. A House to Die in was originally intended for painter Edvard Munch in Norway. Image Credit: Snohetta ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sculptural Architecture:** The trend of incorporating sculptural elements into architectural designs offers opportunities for unique and visually striking buildings. - **Illusion Design:** The trend of using illusions in design presents opportunities to create immersive and captivating experiences that challenge perceptions. - **Multi-functional Spaces:** The trend of designing spaces that serve multiple functions opens up possibilities for innovative and efficient use of limited space. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can embrace sculptural elements and illusion design to create distinctive and memorable structures. - **Art:** Artists can explore the intersection of art and architecture by creating sculptural buildings that blur the line between art and functionality. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can take inspiration from multi-functional spaces to design versatile and adaptable interiors that maximize functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Curved Translucent Experimental Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptors-apartment.md) - [Sculptural Inverted Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-house-with-an-inverted-roof.md) - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md) - [Sculptural Ruin Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-horns.md) - [Sculpted Oak Grove Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lj-residence.md) - [Optical Illusion Replica Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liberty-science-center.md) - [Sculptural Facade Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fractal-facade-house.md) - [Glass-Reflective Illuminated Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-house.md) - [Dynamic Y-Shaped Glazed Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-y-house.md)